Maketu group takes top award

Maketu Ongatoro Wetlands Group was named the Supreme Winner at the 2011 TrustPower Western Bay of Plenty Community Awards at Waihi Beach RSA.
The group took out the title ahead of 47 nominated voluntary organisations, winning a trophy, $1500 and an all-expenses paid trip to the TrustPower National Community Awards in Ashburton in March next year.
During the past 12 months the group of 20 volunteers has accomplished an extensive list of achievements. They work to conserve and restore the native biodiversity of the Maketu and Little Waihi harbours and the Lower Kaituna River, with an ultimate goal to have it declared a Ramsar Site - a wetland of international significance.
Focus at present is on the 3.5km-long Maketu Spit, from the mouth of the Kaituna River to Maketu, which is home to a colony of threatened New Zealand dotterel.
A pest control programme is in force to protect these and other native species that breed on the spit. Signage and fencing have been erected to ensure people are aware of the dotterel's breeding season and territory.
A five-year biodiversity management plan has been developed outlining the strategy and action programme for the spit, with items on this plan being ticked off.
Maketu Ongatoro Wetlands Group chairman Julian Fitter: "We were completely taken by surprise. We're really pleased, it's been a team effort. The big thing we'd like to see from the awards is raising the profile of the group and encouraging more members of the community to participate.
"We now have to get down to work to win the national title in March next year."
Other awards.-
TrustPower Bay of Plenty Youth Community Spirit Award: Luke Stevenson, Te Puke High School; runner up Jordan Godfrey, Katikati College. Category A Heritage & Environment: Nga Tahatai o Te Puna; runner up Omokoroa History Group. Category B Health & Wellbeing: Mission Without Borders; runner up Waipuna Hospice volunteer biographers; commended Maketu Rotary Club. Category C Arts & Culture: Creative Te Puke Forum; runner up Katikati Theatre. Category D Sports & Leisure: Trust Waikato Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services; runner up Omokoroa Boat Club - Sailing Trust. Category E Education & Child/Youth Development: Katikati Community Resource Centre; runner up Te Puke Toy Library; Special commendation: The Nepalese Students of Te Puke.APN News & Media